Teams

Question 1

Describe the skills and qualities an employee would require in order to be an effective team member.

6 Marks

Answer 1

• Motivational to other members of the team
• Supportive of other team members/team goal
• Be able to put personal disputes aside - minimise conflict between team members
• Willingness to learn and develop
• Able to listen to other members’ ideas and views
• They should be able to communicate both verbally and in writing effectively – so other members of the team will understand
• Organised/hardworking/creative
• Calm/patient/enthusiastic

Question 2

Discuss the reasons why some teams are more effective than others.

TIP - To discuss, you must communicate ideas and information on a subject in a structured paragraph of linked statements.

If possible give advantages and disadvantages however in this case 1 mark would be given for each relevant statement or opinion as adv/disadv don’t suit.

8 Marks

Answer 2

• Presence of a good leader — this helps to promote a positive atmosphere, provide good co-ordination and manage conflict.
• All team members have a clear idea of what they are there to achieve — they have clear goals.
• Team members believe in shared goals — they have a common direction.
• Shared knowledge means there is better coverage for any absences.
• Team members have different skills and personalities — this leads to better productivity.
• Strong/open communication between team members — team members encouraged to express their opinions, suggest ideas and are prepared to compromise.
• The longer a team is together, the more effective it is likely to be — a team will work as a cohesive group, pulling together, meeting targets and deadlines.
• Effective teams are normally small — Belbin states 4-6 people.

Question 3

Justify the importance of effective leadership within a team.

4 Marks

Answer 3

• Clear direction can make a team more productive/deadlines met
• A leader can rally the team to increase motivation
• Effective delegation can empower employees
• Strengths and weaknesses are known and tasks allocated to suit
• Supervision and support means deadlines are more likely to be met
• Clear communication allows a dialogue to develop understanding of tasks

Question 4

Outline the features of an effective team.

4 Marks

Answer 4

•	Good communication
•	Mutual respect
•	Clearly defined roles/Belbin
•	Team composition
(age/experience/skills/personality)
•	Size of team
•	Shared goals
•	Effective conflict resolution
•	Strong leadership
•	Supportive of each other
•	Length of time team has been together

Question 5

Describe the benefits of team working for the organisation.

4 Marks

Answer 5

• More productive with many members working on a task
• Better idea generation/more competitive
• Communication may be better if staff are working in teams
• Reduced staff turnover/absenteeism if employees are motivated in a team
• Employees more likely to take risks leading to possibly better decision making
• Employees develop skills increasing flexibility if someone is absent

Question 6

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages to an employee of working as part of a team.

6 Marks

Answer 6

Advantages -

• More likely to take risks, as these are shared Increased motivation and morale
• Individual team members will feel supported
• Team members could have a greater chance of promotion as a result of gaining a greater range of skills from working within a team
• Higher pay/bonuses/commission if more productive/meeting targets

Disadvantages -

• If they are not comfortable within the team, individuals could suffer from stress
• Strong personalities may not allow other individuals to flourish